The definitive 'Queen' audiophile thread

This idea came to me after listening to the new Beatles remasters. So here it is:

I don't believe the definitive Queen CD set exists, so why don't we at Queenzone create one?
Album by album, track by track, burning a definitive QZ collection.

We have a number of CD's (or like Opera DVD/a) to choose one. EMI original release, US Hollywood, Japanese, UK reissues etc.

The rules are simple. Queen CD's only. Best tracks only. Album by album - so starting at the beginning with 'Queen'.

I like the Hollywood remaster and would use this as my beginning CD.
So what tracks from which disc would make the ultimate audoiphile debut album?

Any discussion?

I was thinking about something similar the other day but I wasn't going to go to a per-track level of detail. I would have chosen the Hollywood Records release for that particular album as well but I can't go into detail track per track without going back to listening to them.



Good topic, though. Hopefully someone will answer to the level of detail you propose.

Was thinking about that too. A two disc version for every album would be nice (demos, b-sides,outtakes, live tracks)

When we start with the 'Queen' album I suggest the De Lane Lea demos should be on disc 2 as a bonus as well as 'Mad The Swine'

Are you reading my mind ?
I planned doing something similar for myself, but I don't have enough "versions" :) I say let's do it and a bonus disc is again a great idea

So if enough of us agree, (and what is the harm in revisiting each album - track by track) is it possible to come up with the definitive (by that I mean best sounding) Queen collection?

For me, anything is better than the original EMI CD releases. Anyone disagree?

Also, I know Hollywood muck up in later discs - but we can cross that bridge at the time.

So basically, Queen Hollywood Vs Queen Japan?

What about those four MFSL discs?  Those sounded pretty good, but you guys are more qualified to answer that.  I guess those are from the Hollywood source tapes, though.

Yes - but we are just working on the initial debut album to start with.
Is there an MSFL for the dbut disc?

John, didnt you used to do a similar album by album 'ultimate collection' or something, on that other Queen site a few years ago?

I've actually considered making myself a collection like this out of tracks I already have as well. If for nothing else than to keep everything organized in one place. I mean, let's face it, QPL is never going to give us the box set of our dreams so really, it's up to us. I think, when available, a truly definitive "set" for each album should be multimedia and include the following:
[/QUOTE]- the album itself (from the best sounding source)[/QUOTE]- b-sides[/QUOTE]- outtakes / demos[/QUOTE]- alternative mixes of tracks (ex. single versions. remixes, etc)[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]- interviews / television appearances from the era / specifically about the era (ie. "the press" section)[/QUOTE]- at least one full corresponding concert (audio or video)[/QUOTE]- music videos[/QUOTE]- any other bits and bobs applicable for the era as bonuses or easter eggs (ex. here something like the Brian May Star Licks section being attatched to The Works set since it was done around the same time)[/QUOTE]
[/QUOTE]I realize this is a dream set, but that's what we're doing here, is it not? Dreaming or creating this for ourselves. Why SHOULDN'T it be all inclusive?[/QUOTE]

There is no MSFL disc for the debut album.

So, unless someone comes up and argues that the Japanese releases of Queen (1998, 2001) sound better than the HR version, we would conclude that it's the Hollywood Record version for the debut album. I know that's the one I play whenever I listen to it. The bonus tracks are great, also!

Talking about Japanese remasters, were there remasters in 2004 as well or were those the same as the 2001 ones? Don't mean to change the topic, a quick answer will do.

[QUOTE]

[b]mooghead wrote: [/b]

John, didnt you used to do a similar album by album 'ultimate collection' or something, on that other Queen site a few years ago?
[/QUOTE]

No: That 'ultimate collection' was an attempt to catalogue all Queen, solo, collaborative and cover versions etc.
So that 'checklist' was really one of availability.

What I was thinking of was upping the anti a little.
With all the various remasters and versions out there, this new list is all about 'quality', rather than availability.
So what are the best quality sound sources available?

I was hoping for some conflict and some consenus. Only after a public debate can we then say the best tracks according to QZ are...

Remember some of the Greatest Hits DVDs offer better sound than the CDs.

Sorry mate but I'm not one of those fans who go out and buys every edition of every album so cant really help. I have the Hollywood remasters and they sound great to me, apart from the various unintentional edits obviously. My hi fi equipment has never really been high end enough to hear any discernable difference to be honest.

For what its worth those ultimate collections you did could do with another airing on this site, always sparked plenty of debate about what might be out there.....

Perhaps a poll or a panel would be better?

I am loath to say that the Hollwood remaster of Queen is the best so far until we start pulling in a few more votes and opinions, but so far, all (who have replied) think Hollywood have got this one correct.

Any opinions about the Japanese remasters?